Moothttp://www.moot.uk.net
Moot is a London-based community of spiritual travellers who seek to live in a way that is honest to God and honest to now.Wed, 23 May 2018 07:03:38 +0000en-UShourly1Moot podcastMootcleanMoottech@moot.uk.nettech@moot.uk.net (Moot)2006-2014MootMoothttp://www.moot.uk.net/wp-content/uploads/podcasts/podpress_backend.jpghttp://www.moot.uk.net
Holy Week at Moothttp://www.moot.uk.net/2018/03/21/holy-week-at-moot/
Wed, 21 Mar 2018 09:04:27 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=13793

If you have been joining or would like to join us for the remainder of Lent here’s a list of services we’re holding up until Easter Day.

]]>In the first meeting of our Lent course we heard about the retreat into the desert and the practice of self-examination through the prayer practice of the Examen. Listen here to our first session. We concluded the evening by sharing in the Examen praye...In the first meeting of our Lent course we heard about the retreat into the desert and the practice of self-examination through the prayer practice of the Examen. Listen here to our first session. We concluded the evening by sharing in the Examen prayer – you can hear this prayer being led here.Mootclean18:35Welcome to the wilderness – Lent sermonhttp://www.moot.uk.net/2018/02/27/welcome-to-the-wilderness-lent-sermon/
Tue, 27 Feb 2018 22:32:40 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=13782

Share with us this sermon by our priest Paul Kennedy, bringing us into Lent together, exploring the wilderness we enter into in this Sunday evening sermon.

]]>Share with us this sermon by our priest Paul Kennedy, bringing us into Lent together, exploring the wilderness we enter into in this Sunday evening sermon.Share with us this sermon by our priest Paul Kennedy, bringing us into Lent together, exploring the wilderness we enter into in this Sunday evening sermon.Mootclean10:11Join us in the desert at Moot this Lenthttp://www.moot.uk.net/2018/02/11/join-us-in-the-desert-at-moot-this-lent/
Sun, 11 Feb 2018 22:44:10 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=13766

For our Lent course at Moot this year we will explore prayer, stillness and the wisdom of the desert. We’ll meet Thursday evenings at 6pm (for tea/coffee) for a start-time of 6.30pm, following a pattern of: Talk – Discussion – Practice, focusing on a different particular prayer practice each week. We hope you will join us this season!

Wishing you all a bright January 1st morning, a restful end to holidays, and a peaceful start to the year ahead.

As we look to the year ahead and consider our road ahead and the changes we’re looking for, we wanted to update you on our direction as a community together. We’ve spent the last couple of years catching our breath from a years-long journey, particularly making a home at St Mary Aldermary, watching the Host Cafe come alive, and welcome Paul Kennedy our new priest.

This past November the community took a weekend to go away and take stock of who we are, what we are, and where we want to go together. I’d like to share a report from that weekend from Paul our priest (below).

Once again wishing you God’s peace, hope, and energy as we enter 2018 together – from all of us at Moot.

“On the weekend of the 3-5 November 20 people from the Moot Community travelled to the Youth Hostel at Littlehampton for fellowship, relaxation and an exploration of Moot’s calling. Littlehampton was a wonderful site: with the long beach; the tidal Arun river; and the huge open skies which we Londoners really appreciated.

Together we ate, we prayed, we talked, we drank, we walked, we played board games, and we explored God’s calling. We decide to redraw a simple Rhythm of Life to which Moot members can choose to commit; we reaffirmed our practices of contemplative and inherited prayer; we reflected upon how a distinctive community maintains an open welcome; we reaffirmed our New Monastic roots but accepted that we may be evolving in a less structured and more contemplative way; we planned a walk in the Chilterns; and we started plans for our next annual weekend away. The company was wonderful, the food was great, the Youth Hostel was cosy, the weekend felt blessed and I’m already looking forward to next year’s time away.

A draft of the Rhythm of Life should be ready for Lent, following a series of Community Forums, with a service at the end of September at which we hope Archdeacon Rosemary will preside.”

Our final regular Sunday service will be a Christmas Eucharist on Sunday 17th December, although we will also meet for a short contemplative evening prayer service on New Year’s Eve at 6pm (for 6.30pm).

All Shall Be Well – please enjoy this reflection from our Moot service by our new Priest in Charge the Revd Paul Kennedy, speaking about Julian of Norwich.

]]>All Shall Be Well – please enjoy this reflection from our Moot service by our new Priest in Charge the Revd Paul Kennedy, speaking about Julian of Norwich.All Shall Be Well – please enjoy this reflection from our Moot service by our new Priest in Charge the Revd Paul Kennedy, speaking about Julian of Norwich.Mootclean7:04Hellos and Goodbyeshttp://www.moot.uk.net/2017/05/03/hellos-and-goodbyes/
Wed, 03 May 2017 11:40:51 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=13637We’ve recently had a number of changes to the team at Moot and thought we’d update you on who’s been coming and going.

Firstly: with a heavy heart we said goodbye in April to our temporary Priest Andrew Norwood. Andrew joined us in September 2015 at the beginning of our interregnum and over the last year and a half has supported us wonderfully both spiritually and practically, including guiding us through a period of reflection on who we are as a community. We are extremely grateful for Andrew’s presence over the last period and will miss him!

On a happier note, in March we welcomed Gonzalo Cabezas Talavero to the Moot team as Cafe Manager and Building Manager. He will be splitting his time between managing Host and helping the community make the best use use of our beautiful building. Make sure you say “Hi” to him when you next swing by the cafe. He is working with the staff to create some innovative new drinks so be sure to ask to try any new creations.

We also say farewell (as a Moot staff member) to Effie Gemi-Iordanou who has most recently been working in the Moot office improving processes and getting things in shape, but has also worked as a barista in the Host Cafe as well as volunteering with Moot before that and through the years! Effie has been working in one way or another since 2014 so we’re glad that although she’s ending her current role at Moot that we can still hope to see her around the community in the future.

Lastly, we look forward to the arrival of Paul Kennedy our new Priest-in-Charge who will be licensed on Monday 8th May (see information about the event here). We will share more details about Paul and his background in the coming weeks.

The cricket has such splendid fringe on its feet,
and it sings, have you noticed, with its whole body,
and heaven knows if it ever sleeps.

Jesus said, wait with me. And maybe the stars did, maybe
the wind wound itself into a silver tree, and didn’t move,
maybe
the lake far away, where once he walked as on a
blue pavement,
lay still and waited, wild awake.

Oh the dear bodies, slumped and eye-shut, that could not
keep that vigil, how they must have wept,
so utterly human, knowing this too
must be part of the story.

Lent looms ahead of us, and that can at first seem quite ominous. Perhaps it’s because I’ve just used the word “looms” and that really isn’t helping.

I have had mixed feelings about Lent in the past. It feeds into my regimented, “I need to do X, Y & Z in order to be good enough” mentality and really isn’t healthy. One year I had a spreadsheet. All the things I was going to do and not do, all the books I was going to read. Lent eventually became another reason to beat myself up and to set myself up for certain failure.

Lent is perceived to be a solemn time of year, with its emphasis on repentance and self-examination. Ash Wednesday seems to be a rather bleak day as we are made to face our mortality with the imposition of ashes. But Lent takes its name an old Anglo-Saxon word len(c)ten, meaning “spring season”. The lengthening of the days is a key clue to the season here, as we set aside a time for self-reflection as we prepare for the renewal of life at Easter.

Yes, it begins with ashes and “Remember that you are dust”, but Lent is actually a time of growth. In order to grow well, yes, some pruning may be involved, but the aim of Lent is to provide the adequate conditions to ensure that we thrive and flourish.

How can I do Lent corporately?

Lent is a journey we go on together. I think a lot of our ideas about Lent can tend to be quite self-obsessed and we can risk navel gazing (I am preaching primarily to myself here). As a community our primary Lenten activity will be our Book Group, discussing Paula Gooder’s Lent book, meeting on Sunday afternoons. Of course, throughout the week, we will read as individuals but we will gather together as a community to discuss themes and ideas that have arisen from the readings. During the week, there is always the Facebook group or the blog as a way of keeping this communal discipline going.

Other things you may want to consider are:

Making a commitment to attend a particular service, say evening prayer on Wednesdays.

Going to a meditation group or taize service throughout Lent as a way of anchoring yourself in Moot’s communal life. Notice I say “a” thing – this is totally dependent on capacity.

Maybe, in some cases, a more faithful Lenten practice would be to stop attending a certain thing each week – providing that it is appropriate to do so!

And how about individually?

For 2017, I’ve been readingDaily reflections from Frederick Buechner and there was one recently on the theme of Lent. It framed Lent in a way I’ve never thought about before. 40 days is roughly a tenth of the year, so Lent is a kind of spiritual tithe: a period which we commit to God in a specific way. For some that may mean adding a new daily practice, say setting 10 minutes aside each morning for silent meditation or committing to praying the examen. For others, the giving up chocolate thing (*or booze, TV or whatever you fancy) may be just for you! What matters is the intention. How is this commitment to abstain from X, Y or Z going to make me different come Easter Sunday?

I gave up my daily habit of watching Neighbours one Lent at uni, to which a friend said “What’s sinful about Neighbours?” She was right. There was and is nothing wrong with watching antipodean soap operas. But I gave it up as a way of committing that time to God. The tithing analogy is useful here: just as I set aside a proportion of my money, by abstaining from something I am setting that apart as an offering.

Some ideas for your own personal Lenten tithe can be found on Rachel Held Evans’ blog – she hasn’t done it recently (I think parenthood has other demands on her time!) but in the past she has compiled“40 ideas for Lent”, which I have found really useful. 40 ideas doesn’t mean doing 40 things: but it is a good starting place for thinking about things that might help you grow in this season.

Whatever you do, don’t make a spreadsheet. What I mean is, don’t follow my mistake of piling expectations on yourself so that Lent becomes another burden rather than a gift. To end with an observation from Buechner:

“[Lent] can be a pretty depressing business all in all, but if sack-cloth and ashes are at the start of it, something like Easter may be at the end.”

There will be a number of particular services over the Lent and Easter period, which we hope you’ll join us for. You should be able to see them on our events calendar, but here’s a list of a few highlights:

We hope you enjoy peace and rest over the Christmas season, and look forward to seeing you in 2017. The church (and related activities) will pause until the new year, when meditation group will resume, along with Serum, on the 4th January. Our first Sunday evening service back will be on the 8th January.

On Sunday 30th October, All Saint’s Day, we shared a Service of the Word liturgy of “Thanksgiving for Moot” – looking back at where we’ve come from as well as ahead to the future. Tim Dendy (Moot veteran and churchwarden) shared his look back at Moot and how we’ve arrived where we are now. We hope you enjoy listening to an abbreviated version of the Moot story!

]]>On Sunday 30th October, All Saint’s Day, we shared a Service of the Word liturgy of “Thanksgiving for Moot” – looking back at where we’ve come from as well as ahead to the future. Tim Dendy (Moot veteran and churchwarden) shared his look back at Moot a...On Sunday 30th October, All Saint’s Day, we shared a Service of the Word liturgy of “Thanksgiving for Moot” – looking back at where we’ve come from as well as ahead to the future. Tim Dendy (Moot veteran and churchwarden) shared his look back at Moot and how we’ve arrived where we are now. We […]MootcleanOpen House London at SMAhttp://www.moot.uk.net/2016/09/18/open-house-london-at-sma/
Sun, 18 Sep 2016 13:34:31 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=13553Yesterday Moot took part in the annual Open House London event, opening up St Mary Aldermary for the whole Saturday as well as the Host Cafe. Based on the huge number of historical fliers we handed out and the great success of the cafe, we estimate around 500 people came through the church building – a great success!

In a recent Moot contemplative service this body meditation was offered by Robyn Vesey. We hope it brings you as much peace as it did us.

]]>In a recent Moot contemplative service this body meditation was offered by Robyn Vesey. We hope it brings you as much peace as it did us.In a recent Moot contemplative service this body meditation was offered by Robyn Vesey. We hope it brings you as much peace as it did us.MootcleanNew Thursday Evening Servicehttp://www.moot.uk.net/2016/07/06/new-thursday-evening-service/
Tue, 05 Jul 2016 23:09:24 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=13510

We are starting a new, short contemplative service this week – Moot on Thursdays – for members of our community and anyone who would like to join us at St Mary Aldermary on Thursday evenings. It’s a quiet reflective service at the end of the working day – comprising of some prayers, silence, reflection and simple chants. All are welcome to join – you won’t have to ‘do’ anything, you can particpate as much or as little as you wish. We start at 6.30pm and finish at 7 – with wine and nibbles if you wish to hang around before heading home.

]]>At our Candlemas Service in 2016, Richard Trouncer explores Simeon in his homily given on Candlemas. The readings on the day were Luke 2.22-40, Hebrews 2.14-end and Malachi 3.1-5. In addition to the podcast please find a link to the text here in case y...At our Candlemas Service in 2016, Richard Trouncer explores Simeon in his homily given on Candlemas. The readings on the day were Luke 2.22-40, Hebrews 2.14-end and Malachi 3.1-5. In addition to the podcast please find a link to the text here in case you’d like to read it. The service was on 31st January 2016.MootcleanEaster at Moothttp://www.moot.uk.net/2016/03/12/easter-at-moot/
Sat, 12 Mar 2016 15:51:15 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=13485

Listed below is the list of what we’ll be up to at Moot in the week running up to Easter Sunday. Please join us for some or all!

Good Friday (March 25th)

Easter Sunday (March 27th)

]]>Candlemas: A Liturgical Pausehttp://www.moot.uk.net/2016/01/31/candlemas-a-liturgical-pause/
Sun, 31 Jan 2016 23:05:00 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=13460(re-posted from Where Do I Begin? – the blog of our own Emily Richardson – originally published 02/02/2015)

I think I’ve decided that Candlemas is my favourite festival of the Christian year. I only just realised this. I’ve only really recently become familiar with Candlemas itself, actually. When I was at university the second half of the academic year was named Candlemas semester. But that was just what it was: a name. I didn’t have the first idea of what it was. It was like Christmas but with added candles? Maybe? Like I say, I really had no idea.

Candlemas is another name for the Feast of the Presentation. It recollects the story in Luke 2 where Jesus’ parents brought him to the Temple to be dedicated to the Lord. Apart from the Holy family, there are two other key players. Simeon, who we are quite familiar with because of his number one hit: “Nunc Dimittis”, and Anna, who is an old lady who lived in the Temple. As you do. There is a lot of talk about waiting, about expectation, about the light of the world and about the fulfilment of ancient promises.

In the church, it is traditionally the day when the candles are blessed for use throughout the coming year. It marks the end of the Christmas and Epiphany seasons and is the start of Ordinary Time. It is the day the crib comes down and the last traces of Christmas are put away for another year.

But I realised in the service yesterday that it contains elements of all the major events in the Christian year. It is like a liturgical year in microcosm.

First there is waiting. That takes us back to Advent. Simeon and Anna – and the whole of creation – have spent their whole lives waiting. The promise of light that we are longing for in the weeks leading to Christmas is something that is always not yet. There is always an aspect of waiting and of longing.

Then we have Christmas. God born to us. Christmas is present in the story in the ordinariness of a small child. God in flesh. Christmas is all about incarnation, and the Candlemas story has that right at its heart.

Then we have epiphany. The light come into the world. This is the object of Simeon’s song. At epiphany we remember the visit of the Magi – foreigners are let into the secret of the coming of the messiah. This is a new kind of king, sent for everyone. Especially outsiders. I was thinking about Anna and Simeon who, although are firmly within the story of Israel, are in a way outsiders. Two elderly, dareisay, eccentric people. Not people of particularly high regard. And yet they are the ones who see the light. They recieve the revelation. Just like the magi and the shepherds.

Simeon’s prophecy that the child is destined for the falling and rising of many in Israel and that a sword will pierce Mary’s soul too looks forward to the next season of the church. The period of Lent and Holy Week, when we focus on the passion of Jesus. Candlemas serves as a sort of halfway point. A pause, a resting place when we prepare for the shift in our focus from incarnation to redemption. What, until recently, to me felt like an insignificant holy day in the church’s year actually serves as a pivot in the liturgical calendar.

And, of course, the hope and faith of people like Anna and Simeon and the change it brought to their life points us forward to Easter and the hope of resurrection. Anna “spoke about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem” – this child is a sign of the new creation which is brought into being at Easter with the discovery of the empty tomb.

Finally, Candlemas transitions us from the twinkling lights of Christmas into the everyday-ness of Ordinary Time. At church yesterday we had a very moving ritual at the end of the service where we extinguished our (newly blessed) candles as a symbol of the end of Christmas. But it was not a bleak experience. We weren’t plunging ourselves into darkness, but rather pledging to be bearers of that light ourselves as we went out into the world. Simeon saw that the light of the world had come in the most unexpected disguise: a fragile and ordinary baby. What is remarkable about the event at the Temple was precisely that it was an unremarkable event. Children were brought to the Temple everyday – this was a usual occurrence – and yet, God uses this usual, ordinary happening to reveal his light to the world.

So, I have been converted. I am a fully fledged, Candlemas-loving girl. This one day points us in all directions throughout the Christian year and the richness that brings to the liturgy is something that I will savour for the coming weeks.

Come and join us for our traditional Carol Service with carols led by professional singers, and lessons read by members of the Moot community. Bring your friends for this special service which will last about 45 minutes followed by mulled wine and mince pies. We will take a collection during the service to go towards Moot’s work.

]]>Welcome to The Athenian!http://www.moot.uk.net/2015/10/27/welcome-to-the-athenian/
Tue, 27 Oct 2015 22:01:37 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=13443 We are very pleased to welcome Neo Christodoulou (pictured) and The Athenian team, to the south pitch of St Mary Aldermary.

The Athenian sells ‘Greek street food’ – Chicken, pork or halloumi wraps, with a variety of sauces. It’s delicious and already a big success with the cliental at SMA. (Also Effie, our Host barista from Greece, was very impressed!)

Neo’s business partner, Tim Vasilakis, started the business two years ago and they already have a great track record of working on pitches around London, as well as numerous festivals. We think they are a great fit for St Mary Aldermary and Moot and are very pleased to have them with us.

For those who don’t already know, Andrew will be working with Moot for the next six months, (two days a week), helping us as we try to discern our way forward as a community. As well as Sundays (being present for the community, and leading Eucharist), Andrew will be at SMA on Wednesdays to help with some admin; liaise with the SMA and host staff; and be available for pastoral meetings. (He will also have a few flexible hours for meetings and pastoral work outside of these days).

One of the things we’re asking Andrew to do is to help facilitate the upcoming Community Forums. The Community Forums will occupy the Sunday afternoon slot vacated by the Community Councils and will be a chance to explore collectively the vision and calling of Moot. Building on the work of the vision day, these sessions will help us to determine what Moot needs are going forward and what role the Rythmn of life and new monasticism will have.

Andrew has been a priest over twenty years, (including ten years as a chaplain to the The University of the Arts London), and I think will be an excellent fit for us.

After Ian presided at the final Eucharist of his ministry with Moot, the Community held a reception as a thank you for all that he had done. Ian was one of the founders of Moot beginning in St Matthews Westminster, through to the move to St Mary Aldermary in the City of London, and part of the core team to see Moot hopefully now into a period of sustainability. The Community is very aware that this has cost Ian a lot over the years, and so the reception celebrated this.

As well as saying a thank you, Ian Mobsby gave a short address which was not audio recorded, but the words are below in .pdf form for Mooters to reflect over as the community grows into a new phase of its life.

Ian leaves to plant a new monastic community in Peckham South London, and to become a part time Vicar and Parish Mission Enabler. Please see his Facebook and ministry webpages for more details.

At the Sunday Evening Moot Eucharist Service for the 4th Sunday of the Season of Trinity, Gareth Powell explores the theme of the lectionary gospel, Mark 5.21-43. This was the last service that Ian Mobsby as the Priest Missioner and Priest in Charge of the Moot Community of the Guid Church of St Mary Aldermary presided at after 13 years of his ministry with the Moot Community. This Eucharist Service celebrated the birthing and life of Moot and specifically the ministry of Ian Mobsby.

Gareth Powell is a former Mooter and now Ordained Priest Missioner in the Church of England who is in the process of founding a sister new monastic community in Streatham South London called the Community of St Margaret the Queen in the Diocese of Southwark. Ian Mobsby leaves to plant a new monastic community in Peckham, as well as becoming the Priest in Charge of St Lukes Church Peckham, and Parish Mission Enabler for the Episcopal area of Woolwich in the Diocese of Southwark. For more information on Ian’s ministry please see www.ianmobsby.net

This podcast was recorded on Sunday 28th June 2015.

]]>At the Sunday Evening Moot Eucharist Service for the 4th Sunday of the Season of Trinity, Gareth Powell explores the theme of the lectionary gospel, Mark 5.21-43. This was the last service that Ian Mobsby as the Priest Missioner and Priest in Charge of...At the Sunday Evening Moot Eucharist Service for the 4th Sunday of the Season of Trinity, Gareth Powell explores the theme of the lectionary gospel, Mark 5.21-43. This was the last service that Ian Mobsby as the Priest Missioner and Priest in Charge of the Moot Community of the Guid Church of St Mary Aldermary […]MootcleanThe Simplicity of the Benedictine Rule by Ian Mobsbyhttp://www.moot.uk.net/2015/06/04/the-simplicity-of-the-benedictine-rule-by-ian-mobsby/
Thu, 04 Jun 2015 16:08:10 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=13185

Following a rich learning experience put on by St Paul’s Cathedral Forum, I have been really struck by the Prologue to the Rule of St Benedict:

Listen carefully, my child, to your master’s precepts, and incline the ear of your heart (Prov 4:20). Receive willingly and carry out effectively your loving father’s advice, that by the labour of obedience you may return to God from whom you have departed by the sloth of disobedience.

In essence Benedict is opening up the idea that Christianity is about a way of life. This is an important corrective to the reformation which puts the emphasis of belief on thinking. Benedict’s Rule is an attempt to help people grow a distinctive Christian faith which is less ‘What should I believe’ and more ‘How should I live’ which is a crucial question then and now. How do we LIVE the Christian life which is about prayerful action.

The opening sentence of Benedict’s Prologue make this very simple, that involves four elements:

1. Listen – to the masters instructions who calls us daughter and sons.
2. Receive – the grace of receiving the love of God that brings health and transends defensiveness and encourages honest loving vulnerability.
3. Labour – put what you have heard and received from God into practice in the way you live. Prayer must lead to action.
4. Return – that even though we stuff up a lot, God always receives us back.

These four are one of simplest but most profound summary of what discipleship is all about. Benedict was trying to ensure that monasteries focused on Christian discipleship.

The prologue also emphasises urgency, the need to get on with it. ‘Run while you have the light of life, lest the darkness of death overtake you.’

But with the full assurance of the love of God: ‘What can be sweeter to us, dear ones, that this voice of the Lord inviting us? Behold in God’s loving kindness the Lord shows us the way of life.’

This is incredibly beautiful. TO see the whole of the prologue for yourself click here

]]>Pentecost: The place of the Holy Spirit by Vanessa Elstonhttp://www.moot.uk.net/2015/05/24/pentecost-the-place-of-the-holy-spirit-by-vanessa-elston/
Sun, 24 May 2015 22:25:54 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=13182

At the Moot Sunday Evening Service celebrating Pentecost Sunday 2015 at the home of the Moot Community at the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary in the CIty of London, Vanessa Elston explores the implication of the coming of the Spirit to empower Christians and the Church to life, and life in all its fullness.

]]> At the Moot Sunday Evening Service celebrating Pentecost Sunday 2015 at the home of the Moot Community at the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary in the CIty of London, Vanessa Elston explores the implication of the coming of the Spirit to empower Chri... At the Moot Sunday Evening Service celebrating Pentecost Sunday 2015 at the home of the Moot Community at the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary in the CIty of London, Vanessa Elston explores the implication of the coming of the Spirit to empower Christians and the Church to life, and life in all its […]MootcleanPentecost Sunday at Moothttp://www.moot.uk.net/2015/05/20/pentecost-sunday-at-moot/
Wed, 20 May 2015 17:00:44 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=13172

This coming Sunday 24th May is Pentecost Sunday, the fiftieth day after Easter, the day the church was born when the Holy Spirit descended onto a group of the disciples. The Spirit came to a group rather than to separate individuals, a reminder that it is as a community that God seeks to meet us. We have a Pentecost Service of the Word at St Mary Aldermary this Sunday 6 pm so if you can come and join us as we gather to wait upon the Spirit together.

As one of the founding members of Moot and with thirteen years of ministry in Moot, it was announced recently in the Dioceses of London and Southwark that Ian Mobsby will be leaving his current role with Moot and the Diocese of London in the summer. Ian has been the Priest Missioner to Moot for 13 years and more recently the Priest in Charge of Moot at St Mary Aldermary for the last three years. These have been important and challenging times setting up Moot and its New Monastic basis and Host Cafe launched over two years ago in the heart of the City of London.

Moot has become an important New Monastic Community, that in its time has produced a number of vocations to the Ordained Priesthood, and a number of prayer and worship resources. Ian is at heart a Pioneer Missioner, and now that the focus is shifting from starting to sustaining, it is time for Ian to move on. It is always an important and challenging time when founders move on, but it is always part of the growing up process!

Ian’s last service and last actual working day with us will be on the evening of Sunday 28th June. He will be taking leave for a month before formally leaving his role from the end of July. Ian is moving on to support a small parish church to develop their mission, plant a new ‘new monastic’ community in Peckham South East London, and assist with parish mission enablement in the Episcopal Area of Woolwich, Diocese of London. This will be the second offspring from Moot, with Gareth Powell (former Mooter) heading up a new monastic project in Streatham under the name St Margaret the Queen.

So please do pray for Moot as we pray and seek God concerning vision and direction of Moot.

In this opening address, Archbishop Justin Welby explores the parable of ‘the buried treasure’ in the Gospel of Matthew to explore the importance of religious community life regarding the renewal of the Church in the context of the Kingdom of God. This address was recorded at the ‘Treasures Old and New’ residential conference of the leaders of traditional and emerging Church of England religious communities in Whitby April 2015.

]]>In this opening address, Archbishop Justin Welby explores the parable of ‘the buried treasure’ in the Gospel of Matthew to explore the importance of religious community life regarding the renewal of the Church in the context of the Kingdom of God.In this opening address, Archbishop Justin Welby explores the parable of ‘the buried treasure’ in the Gospel of Matthew to explore the importance of religious community life regarding the renewal of the Church in the context of the Kingdom of God. This address was recorded at the ‘Treasures Old and New’ residential conference of the […]MootcleanEaster: Fear, Shalom and being Sent by Ian Mobsbyhttp://www.moot.uk.net/2015/04/22/easter-fear-shalom-and-being-sent-by-ian-mobsby/
Wed, 22 Apr 2015 17:09:58 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=13146Drawing on the Gospel of John Chapter 20:18-End, Ian Mobsby explores the themes of Fear, Shalom and being Sent. This podcast was recorded in the Sunday Evening Service at the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary in the City of London.
]]>Drawing on the Gospel of John Chapter 20:18-End, Ian Mobsby explores the themes of Fear, Shalom and being Sent. This podcast was recorded in the Sunday Evening Service at the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary in the City of London.Drawing on the Gospel of John Chapter 20:18-End, Ian Mobsby explores the themes of Fear, Shalom and being Sent. This podcast was recorded in the Sunday Evening Service at the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary in the City of London.MootcleanToday the Church remembers Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a founding father of New Monasticismhttp://www.moot.uk.net/2015/04/09/today-the-church-remembers-dietrich-bonhoeffer-a-founding-father-of-new-monasticism/
Thu, 09 Apr 2015 08:22:33 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=13138

Today, the 9th April, the Church remembers Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Lutheran Pastor, Martyr and Father of New Monasticism. From a Nazi prison cell, in a letter to his brother in 1935 he said this:

‘the restoration of the church will surely come only from a new type of monasticism which has nothing in common with the old but a complete lack of compromise in a life lived in accordance with the Sermon on the Mount in the discipleship of Christ. I think it is time to gather people together to do this..’

and

‘The expansion of Christianity and the increasing secularisation of church caused the awareness of costly grace to be gradually lost … But the Roman church did keep a remnant of that original awareness. It was decisive that monasticism did not separate from the church and that the church had good sense to tolerate monasticism. Here, on the boundary of the church, was the place where the awareness that grace is costly and that grace includes discipleship was preserved… Monastic life thus became a living protest against the secularisation of Christianity, against the cheapening of grace’ (Cost of Discipleship P46)

He was born in 1906 into an academic family, Ordained in the Lutheran Church, his theology was influenced by Karl Barth and he became a lecturer: in Spain, the USA and in 1931, back in Berlin. Opposed to the philosophy of Nazism, he was one of the leaders of the Confessing Church, movement which broke away form the Nazi-dominated Lutherans of 1934. Banned from teaching, and harassed by Hitler’s regime, he bravely returned to Germany at the outbreak of war in 1939, despite being on a lecture tour in the USA at the time. His defiant opposition to the Nazis led him to set up a number of new monastic communities defined by generosity to the Jews, Gay people and Roma peoples with a radical rule of life defined by political resistance. He was arrested for this in 1943. His experiences led him to propose a more radical theology in his later works, which have been influential among post-war theologians. He was excited by the Nazi police in Flossenburg concentration camp on this day in 1945.

We remember his life and witness to the faith of Jesus Christ in the most difficult of circumstances.

On the 3rd May at 4pm, We are host an afternoon tea and intro to Moot. This will explore the history of why Moot is where it is and why it is a New Monastic Community. This is run particularly for those who are either new to Moot, or those considering about getting new to Moot. We do need to know who is coming, so do let us know by clicking the link. This event is also open to those who genuinely interested in New Monasticism. Those involved in the Community will be Vanessa Elston and Ian Mobsby.

]]>Holy Week Events and Services 2015http://www.moot.uk.net/2015/03/18/holy-week-events-and-services-2015/
Wed, 18 Mar 2015 19:32:59 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=13119
This year, the Moot Community at the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary will be gathering for a number of events and services to mark the significance of the season of Holy Week. This is the week that the Christian Church explores the narrative of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem that lead to the trials Crucifixion of Jesus, leading to the shock of the Resurrection of Easter Sunday. So below, please find a list of our events and details.

Sunday 29th March – Palm Sunday – Evening Service 6pm This service explores the significance of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, where the traditional palm crosses are given out.

Monday 30th March – Holy Monday – Morning Prayer 9.30am & Choral Evening Prayer 6pm
The day begins with Morning Prayer at the High Altar at 9.30am
The Evening Choral Evening Prayer will mix ancient words with ancient music reflecting the season of Holy Week. This will be a beautiful event.

Maundy Thursday 2nd April
Morning Prayer 9.30am, Eucharist 1.05pm, Afternoon Prayer 2pm.
Foot Washing Service 6.30pm – this is where we remember Jesus’ washing his disciples feet, and the narrative that leads to the arrest of Jesus.
Prayer Vigil 8pm, where we prayerfully remember Jesus who is in distress and praying before his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Good Friday 3rd April
Tenebrae Service 7pm, where we reflect on the paradox and shock of the death of Jesus Christ as the son of God.

Easter Sunday 5th April
Service celebrating the miracle of the resurrection at 11am, followed by a picnic outside dependent on the weather, or inside of the church if the weather is bad.

In this podcast Vanessa Elston explores the theme of gratitude, as the third of five reflections on George Herbert’s poem ‘Love (III)’. This was recorded at the Lent Course of the Moot Community at the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary in the CIty of London, 2015.

]]>In this podcast Vanessa Elston explores the theme of gratitude, as the third of five reflections on George Herbert’s poem ‘Love (III)’. This was recorded at the Lent Course of the Moot Community at the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary in the CIty of ...In this podcast Vanessa Elston explores the theme of gratitude, as the third of five reflections on George Herbert’s poem ‘Love (III)’. This was recorded at the Lent Course of the Moot Community at the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary in the CIty of London, 2015.MootcleanSuggestion for those attending Reconciliation Dayhttp://www.moot.uk.net/2015/03/09/suggestion-for-those-attending-reconciliation-day/
Mon, 09 Mar 2015 21:42:06 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=13106Hi quick reminder about the Reconciliation Day on 14th March. Please do get back to me if you are coming. Also can I suggest you try and listen (or listen again), to the pod cast of Nadia Bolz Webers talks/discussions at SMA from last year? Her thoughts on community seem very relevant to what we are hoping to achieve and work through on Saturday.

]]>‘ A Guest Worthy to be here’: Love Bade me Welcome – Part 2 by Vanessa Elstonhttp://www.moot.uk.net/2015/03/08/a-guest-worthy-to-be-here-love-bade-me-welcome-part-2-by-vanessa-elston/
Sun, 08 Mar 2015 15:37:24 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=13104In this podcast Vanessa Elston explores the theme of shame, as the second of five reflections on George Herbert’s poem ‘Love (III)’. This was recorded at the Lent Course of the Moot Community at the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary in the CIty of London.
]]>In this podcast Vanessa Elston explores the theme of shame, as the second of five reflections on George Herbert’s poem ‘Love (III)’. This was recorded at the Lent Course of the Moot Community at the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary in the CIty of Lo...In this podcast Vanessa Elston explores the theme of shame, as the second of five reflections on George Herbert’s poem ‘Love (III)’. This was recorded at the Lent Course of the Moot Community at the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary in the CIty of London.MootcleanAre we returning to a neo-medievalism driven by the market? by Ian Mobsbyhttp://www.moot.uk.net/2015/02/27/are-we-returning-to-a-neo-medievalism-driven-by-the-market-by-ian-mobsby/
Fri, 27 Feb 2015 15:33:51 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=13098

Barry Taylor in his forward thinking book ‘Entertainment Theology’ (1) predicted that our emerging post-secular society, (the paradox of a ‘premodern’ and modern society mashed together), would give rise to a neo-medievalism.

Looking at London, a lot of his predictions are coming true,. We are seeing the rising of forms of church like new monasticism and other forms of missional church that are centred on the question “How should we live” rather than “what should we believe?”. The paradox of living still in a highly scientific and technological world, but where people are increasingly seeking the impossible in terms of spirituality over and above the possible, the material and scientific. (2)

So not only are we seeing new or should I say old forms of spirituality, a group now called the ‘Spiritual not Religious’ (SNR), but we are also seeing the simultaneous reversal of our British class driven society. We are seeing the unhealthy and scary reality of the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer, and an active erosion of the ‘middle classes’. I am left with the question ‘are we being forced to face a neo-feudalism’ where to be seen to be poor is seen as sinful? Stringfellow in his seminal work convinces me that all Capitalist market societies always demonise the poor, as if people have chosen to be that way. The was our society treats disabled people and poor families who have contract jobs, many who cannot find full time work. The language used around those who require welfare benefits again shows an attitude of disrespect if not hostility.

So not only are we emerging in a culture of the increasingly spiritual over the religious, we are seeing the rise of the increasingly rich and poor, and erosion of the middle classes. We remember that the middle classes were trade-driven skilled makers. It was the shift from an arable to a mercantile society where weavers, printers, musicians, lace makers, who also later became the professions, bankers, lawyers, clergy, doctors, social workers, nurses etc.

I have been fascinated by the pressure on occupations – as the Personnel Department becomes the Human Resources Deparment. Social Services have eroded the professions through the import of a market, so social workers have become Care Managers and Occupational Therapists have become assessors and providers of equipment rather than any therapy or transformation of skills and circumstances. We have created a cruel society that tries to make it very hard to find support services and decent welfare support in times of crisis.

So rather than our hope, that a post-secular society would be one where being human was central to the priorities of our society – of wellbeing and fulfilment and equality. We are increasingly in our neo-medieval come increasingly feudal society more and more oppressed by the market which yes opens up people towards spirituality but at the same time, has become dehumanised with an increasingly unequal society.

So what should the church do? Well increasingly put the focus on rehumanising society whilst challenging the forces that make everything a market, and to have a preferential regard for the poor.

I do not have hope as I look to the future, and hope that the church will recover a prophetic voice in these circumstances, as it attempts to be missional not only to open up Christianity for people to know and receive the love of God, but also to challenge the structures of oppression.

Capitalism as a market society has been talked of positively because it creates a meritocracy. Well actually I think this is not true, if the poor are actively disadvantaged regarding education and health care let alone nutrition, then actually the truth is the poor are more disadvantaged in an unequal market place.

I hope for a more courageous church to engage with parts of our increasingly neo-medieval society so that we don’t enter an increased time of injustice.

In this podcast Vanessa Elston explores the theme of invitation, freedom and the nature of love as the first of five reflections on George Herbert’s poem ‘Love (III)’. This was recorded at the Lent Course of the Moot Community at the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary in the CIty of London.

]]> In this podcast Vanessa Elston explores the theme of invitation, freedom and the nature of love as the first of five reflections on George Herbert’s poem ‘Love (III)’. This was recorded at the Lent Course of the Moot Community at the Guild Church of... In this podcast Vanessa Elston explores the theme of invitation, freedom and the nature of love as the first of five reflections on George Herbert’s poem ‘Love (III)’. This was recorded at the Lent Course of the Moot Community at the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary in the CIty of London.MootcleanFragility and glory by Vanessa Elstonhttp://www.moot.uk.net/2015/02/19/fragility-and-glory-by-vanessa-elston/
Thu, 19 Feb 2015 16:02:35 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=13087In this podcast Vanessa Elston explores the theme of fragility and glory drawing on the lectorineary texts from Mark chapter 9 and 2 Corinthians Chapter 4. This podcast was recorded at the Moot Evening Eucharist in the week before Lent at the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary in the City of London.
]]>In this podcast Vanessa Elston explores the theme of fragility and glory drawing on the lectorineary texts from Mark chapter 9 and 2 Corinthians Chapter 4. This podcast was recorded at the Moot Evening Eucharist in the week before Lent at the Guild Ch...In this podcast Vanessa Elston explores the theme of fragility and glory drawing on the lectorineary texts from Mark chapter 9 and 2 Corinthians Chapter 4. This podcast was recorded at the Moot Evening Eucharist in the week before Lent at the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary in the City of London.MootcleanAsh Wednesday Service 18th Feb 5.30pmhttp://www.moot.uk.net/2015/02/15/ash-wednesday-service/
Sun, 15 Feb 2015 11:45:35 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=6674

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a season of 40 days for personal reflection, prayer, and spiritual exploration. It mirrors the time Jesus spent in the desert, seeking God and the true meaning of his life.

The service has been a regular feature of the church’s calendar since the very beginning, and it involves burning the previous year’s Palm Crosses, forming a paste, and marking this on the foreheads of those committing to the season.

The service will last for 30 minutes and will be followed by the Stressed in the City meditation group. All are welcome.

In this podcast Matthew Lyon explores the lectionary readings of the season of epiphany to explore the theme of conversion from fear to love. This was recorded at the Moot Community Sunday Evening Eucharist at the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary in Central London in January 2015.

]]>In this podcast Matthew Lyon explores the lectionary readings of the season of epiphany to explore the theme of conversion from fear to love. This was recorded at the Moot Community Sunday Evening Eucharist at the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary in ...In this podcast Matthew Lyon explores the lectionary readings of the season of epiphany to explore the theme of conversion from fear to love. This was recorded at the Moot Community Sunday Evening Eucharist at the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary in Central London in January 2015.MootcleanA gate in the fence about belief by Mark Vernonhttp://www.moot.uk.net/2015/01/11/a-gate-in-the-fence-about-belief-by-mark-vernon/
Sun, 11 Jan 2015 21:39:29 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=13062

SPIRITUALITY is back, if ever it went away. Sam Harris, one of the leading advocates of the new atheism, published a “guide to spirituality”, Waking Up, last year. Then there is Sanderson Jones, co-founder of the highly successful Sunday Assembly, who argues that one of its main tasks is developing a language for spirituality. He describes himself as a “humanist mystic”, and feels a “spirit in life” which transcends the everyday. To read more click here ….

So once again we find ourselves entering the season of Christmas, and the feast of the Christ Mass, when we remember the miracle and hope for the world, about God coming as a helpless child, as a sign of God’s ultimate love for all human beings, indeed the whole of life.

So on behalf of all our supporters, participants and customers, can I say I hope you have a merry, peaceful and spiritual Christmas. The Church of St Mary Aldermary will be open for reflection on Monday 22nd Jan and until midday on Tuesday 23rd Jan.

The Host Cafe is now closed reopening 5th January 2015, our first Sunday Service will be on 4th January 2015.

So may I finish with a poem by one of my hero’s – R.S. Thomas

It’s a long way off but inside it
There are quite different things going on:
Festivals at which the poor man
Is king and the consumptive is
Healed; mirrors in which the blind look
At themselves and love looks at them
Back; and industry is for mending
The bent bones and the minds fractured
By life. It’s a long way off, but to get
There takes no time and admission
Is free, if you will purge yourself
Of desire, and present yourself with
Your need only and the simple offering
Of your faith, green as a leaf.

Beautiful vid expressing the season… It expresses a take on Advent through the yes of Mary – at the birth of the Emmanuel ‘God with us’ as a young girl, and then later older at the Crucifixion. I was very moved seeing this…

In this final Eucharist of the year on the fourth Sunday of Advent 2014, the Moot Community gathered for their Christmas Service. In this service Ian Mobsby explores the theme of ‘the Christ Child is missing’.

]]>Ian explores the concept of the baby Christ being missing at ChristmasIan explores the concept of the baby Christ being missing at ChristmasMootcleanAdvent Sessions: 4 The Laboratory of the Spirit by Dave Tomlinsonhttp://www.moot.uk.net/2014/12/17/advent-sessions-4-the-laboratory-of-the-spirit-by-dave-tomlinson/
Wed, 17 Dec 2014 00:47:03 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=13025

In this fourth of four podcasts Dave Tomlinson explores the theme ‘The Laboratory of the Spirit.’ Where and what is the spiritual quest today, and how do we engage with it? Why are many non-churchgoers more spiritually intelligent than some churchgoers? How can the church become a more effective laboratory of the Spirit? This podcast was recorded in the Moot Advent Sessions at Moot’s home, the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary in Central London, UK. For more info on Moot see www.moot.uk.net.

The session began with exploring the place of Spiritual Intelligence, and drawing on his newly published book, A Bad Christian Manifesto, the session drew on Chapter 4. Dave explored the theme that spiritual intelligence is not the same as being deeply rooted in a religious tradition. The two are not synonymous. In fact all too often being religious in Christianity can come across as lacking in any spiritual intelligence.

Dave defined spiritual intelligence in terms of attributes:
– Self-awareness: a grasp of what makes us tick, in terms of values and motivations.
– Constancy: consistency in following our deepest convictions and values – even when it means standing against the crowd.
– Spontaneity: staying alive in the moment and responding to what each moment presents.
– Empathy: identifying with others and sharing in their feelings.
– Humility: a measured sense of our own place in the wider scheme of things.
– Curiosity: the motivation to explore – especially the ‘why?’ questions.
– Flexibility: standing back from a situation or problem to see the bigger picture, and make necessary readjustments.
– Resilience: remaining positive in the face of adversity; learning and growing from mistakes and setbacks.
– Groundedness: a sense of bearing and purpose.
– Receptivity: staying open and welcoming toward diversity and difference.

]]> In this fourth of four podcasts Dave Tomlinson explores the theme ‘The Laboratory of the Spirit.’ Where and what is the spiritual quest today, and how do we engage with it? Why are many non-churchgoers more spiritually intelligent than some churchgoe... In this fourth of four podcasts Dave Tomlinson explores the theme ‘The Laboratory of the Spirit.’ Where and what is the spiritual quest today, and how do we engage with it? Why are many non-churchgoers more spiritually intelligent than some churchgoers? How can the church become a more effective laboratory of the Spirit? This […]MootcleanAdvent Sessions: 3 Just a slob like one of us by Dave Tomlinsonhttp://www.moot.uk.net/2014/12/12/advent-sessions-3-just-a-slob-like-one-of-us-by-dave-tomlinson/
Fri, 12 Dec 2014 11:32:11 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=13014

Dave Tomlinson explores the theme of ‘Just a Slob Like One of Us?’ What is the abiding significance of the historic figure of Jesus, and where is Christ in our world today? Is Christianity his true legacy, or should we look elsewhere for that? Who or what is Jesus Christ for us today?

This podcast was recorded in the Moot Advent Sessions at Moot’s home, the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary in Central London, UK. For more info on Moot see www.moot.uk.net

]]> Dave Tomlinson explores the theme of ‘Just a Slob Like One of Us?’ What is the abiding significance of the historic figure of Jesus, and where is Christ in our world today? Is Christianity his true legacy, or should we look elsewhere for that? Dave Tomlinson explores the theme of ‘Just a Slob Like One of Us?’ What is the abiding significance of the historic figure of Jesus, and where is Christ in our world today? Is Christianity his true legacy, or should we look elsewhere for that? Who or what is Jesus Christ for us today? This […]MootcleanMoot worship training 7-2-2015http://www.moot.uk.net/2014/12/11/moot-worship-training-7_2_15/
Thu, 11 Dec 2014 12:09:53 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=13009

Moot Contemplative Worship Training Day, 7th February, 201

Emily and myself will be leading another Contemplative worship Training Day in September. The aim of these days is to explore together how to go about curating and organising a Moot contemplative/compline worship service.

As Moot worship is totally run by volunteers, the worship training day is an essential way to bring new members to the community up to speed with what contemplative worship is, and how to use the Moot liturgy. Every part of service curation is covered – from setting up; to choosing meditations and prayers; to packing up at the end of the night.

If you are new to the community and feel you would like to help out with the worship, (or if you already help with worship at Moot, but haven’t yet been to one of the previous training days), then I strongly recommend you attend the training day.

The day will last from 10-2.30 with a short break for lunch. If you plan to attend, would you please contact myself or Emily, (either in person, email etc).

In this second of four podcasts Dave Tomlinson explores the theme ‘What is God?’. For some, the very word ‘God’ is toxic, or at least unhelpful and confusing; how can we think about God without religious jargon? Are there identifiable things in the experience of everyone , and not just religious people, to which the name ‘God’ might possibly refer? How can we ‘give’ God back to people in a non-religious age?

This podcast was recorded in the Moot Advent Sessions at Moot’s home, the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary in Central London, UK.

]]> In this second of four podcasts Dave Tomlinson explores the theme ‘What is God?’. For some, the very word ‘God’ is toxic, or at least unhelpful and confusing; how can we think about God without religious jargon? In this second of four podcasts Dave Tomlinson explores the theme ‘What is God?’. For some, the very word ‘God’ is toxic, or at least unhelpful and confusing; how can we think about God without religious jargon? Are there identifiable things in the experience of everyone , and not just religious people, to which […]MootcleanAdvent hope and transformation in pressured timeshttp://www.moot.uk.net/2014/12/01/advent-hope-and-transformation-in-pressured-times/
Mon, 01 Dec 2014 23:13:46 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=13000

In this podcast of the Moot Eucharist on Advent Sunday 2014, Ian Mobsby explores the lectionary reading in the Gospel of Mark to explore the theme of Hope and Transformation.

]]> In this podcast of the Moot Eucharist on Advent Sunday 2014, Ian Mobsby explores the lectionary reading in the Gospel of Mark to explore the theme of Hope and Transformation. In this podcast of the Moot Eucharist on Advent Sunday 2014, Ian Mobsby explores the lectionary reading in the Gospel of Mark to explore the theme of Hope and Transformation.MootcleanAdvent Sessions: 1 Faith without borders by Dave Tomlinsonhttp://www.moot.uk.net/2014/12/01/advent-course-1-faith-without-borders-by-dave-tomlinson/
Mon, 01 Dec 2014 22:25:28 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=12998

This podcast was recorded at the Moot Comunity Advent Course 2014, where Dave Tomlinson gave an address on the theme “Faith without borders”. What if we think of the term ‘Christian’ as a verb rather than a badge or a sign of belonging to a holy club? What if we stop dividing people into categories of ‘beliverer and non-believers and just ook for God in the world?

Dave Tomlinson is the VIcar of the Church of St Lukes West Holloway in the Diocese of London. He has authored many books and acclaimed speaker now well known through Greenbelt and increasingly BBC Radio. The Advent Course with Moot is a response to his two recent books ‘How to be a bad Christian and a better human being’ and the ‘Bad Christian Manifesto’.

]]> This podcast was recorded at the Moot Comunity Advent Course 2014, where Dave Tomlinson gave an address on the theme “Faith without borders”. What if we think of the term ‘Christian’ as a verb rather than a badge or a sign of belonging to a holy club... This podcast was recorded at the Moot Comunity Advent Course 2014, where Dave Tomlinson gave an address on the theme “Faith without borders”. What if we think of the term ‘Christian’ as a verb rather than a badge or a sign of belonging to a holy club? What if we stop dividing people into […]MootcleanEmployment Opportunity: Book Keeping & Financial Administratorhttp://www.moot.uk.net/2014/11/19/employment-opportunity-book-keeping-financial-administrator/
Wed, 19 Nov 2014 22:25:28 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=12976

Following a recent resignation, the Moot Community at the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary are seeking to appoint a part-time employee to complete financial administration tasks. To see the related advert, please click here We are very grateful for all the hard work that Matt Brightwell has completed over the years, who helped to develop this post.

Moot Christmas Service
Our final service of the year is a Festive Eucharist, followed by drinks in the church – Sunday 21st December at 6pm

]]>Saying Thank You to Lucihttp://www.moot.uk.net/2014/11/02/saying-thank-you-to-luci/
Sun, 02 Nov 2014 17:44:54 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=12922For all those who don’t know, Luci (Lucinda Beesley) is now no longer working with Moot after nearly 3 years of service. Her contributions will be felt for years to come and all of Moot wishes her well. Please find a full statement below.

We are sad to announce that Luci (Lucinda Beesley) will be stepping down from her employed role within the Moot community.

Luci said “I have enjoyed working with and being an active participant in Moot for the past few years. I would like to say thank you for your friendship and all the support in helping me build up my strength both physically and emotionally. I really believe in the Moot ethos and have found working here stimulating, challenging and rewarding. I wish you all the best in further developing and delivering your vision and hope my work with you will provide a helpful foundation in taking this forward.”

Luci will become less involved in the Moot services and life in the short term but is keen to maintain contact with her friends in the Community.

Luci has led on a number of areas in a constantly evolving role since she started at Moot in February 2012, including leading on operations, administration, communications, strategy, organisation development, income generation, reviewing financial performance, training and advising the paid and volunteer teams and establishing the pan-London student and cross-organisational student and young person’s group ‘Just Space’.

We thank Luci for all she has done for Moot and wish her the very best in the future.

In Moot’s Sunday Evening Eucharist in October 2014, Matthew Creber of the Moot Community explores the theme of reassurance and the scriptural promise ‘I will give you rest’. This was recorded at the home of the Moot Commuity at St Mary Aldermary Church in the City of London. For more info on Moot see www.moot.uk.net.

]]>In Moot’s Sunday Evening Eucharist in October 2014, Matthew Creber of the Moot Community explores the theme of reassurance and the scriptural promise ‘I will give you rest’. This was recorded at the home of the Moot Commuity at St Mary Aldermary Church...In Moot’s Sunday Evening Eucharist in October 2014, Matthew Creber of the Moot Community explores the theme of reassurance and the scriptural promise ‘I will give you rest’. This was recorded at the home of the Moot Commuity at St Mary Aldermary Church in the City of London. For more info on Moot see www.moot.uk.net.MootcleanPoetry and Art at first music performancehttp://www.moot.uk.net/2014/10/16/poetry-and-art-at-first-music-performance/
Thu, 16 Oct 2014 19:22:02 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=12897This evening we held our first music and poetry evenings with Gavin Mart and the poet laureate for Wales and Ric Stott who brought four pieces of art to explore Christian spirituality.

The evening has been very laid back and an interesting fusion of art, poetry and music.

We are hoping to work with a number of promoters to develop a regular programme of music performance.

Ian Mobsby, the Priest in Charge & Missioner of the Moot Community was invited to give a short address at the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Academic Examination Day on Thursday 9th of October, in the Chapel of Lambeth Palace. The Archbishop has from the middle ages, the right to award post graduate qualifications including PhDs, a practice that was revised in the 19th and 20th Centuries.

The addresses began with a paper from Fr Thomas of the Anglican Benedictine Community of Mirfield drawing on the PhD he has just finished. Ian Mobsby was invited to give a response drawing on a new monastic perspective.

In Moot’s Sunday Evening Eucharist on the 21st September 2014, Matthew Lyon explores the theme of Proverbs Chapter 3 and the Gospel text for Matthew chapter 9 Where Jesus speaks to the pharisees that God ‘seeks mercy rather than sacrifice’. Matt explores what the implications are for the Moot Community in the reality of seeking to serve God in the challenge of the City of London.

]]> In Moot’s Sunday Evening Eucharist on the 21st September 2014, Matthew Lyon explores the theme of Proverbs Chapter 3 and the Gospel text for Matthew chapter 9 Where Jesus speaks to the pharisees that God ‘seeks mercy rather than sacrifice’. In Moot’s Sunday Evening Eucharist on the 21st September 2014, Matthew Lyon explores the theme of Proverbs Chapter 3 and the Gospel text for Matthew chapter 9 Where Jesus speaks to the pharisees that God ‘seeks mercy rather than sacrifice’. Matt explores what the implications are for the Moot Community in the reality of […]MootcleanForgiving without the numbershttp://www.moot.uk.net/2014/09/14/forgiving-without-the-numbers/
Sun, 14 Sep 2014 21:50:58 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=12862When I went to church this morning, I realised it was Holy Cross Day. Now the readings for Holy Cross were much nicer than those Rosie & I were faced with when we looked at the “X no of Sundays after Trinity” readings given for today. It would have been great to do a reflection on John 3.16 or Philippians 2. The Gospel reading we had ended with words like “torture” and the image of the unforgiving servant being “handed over” by an angry God. This is why my reflection nicely ignored that part of the reading.

But, as I reflect further I wonder if the very attitude of unforgiveness that the servant possessed was in fact the torture he was given over to. The very fact that he immediately went off to reclaim his debts from another shows just how little the initial act of forgiveness had impacted his life. His torture was missing the radical, generous act that his master had done for him. If he had grasped the extent of the forgiveness he had received, then squabbling with another slave over a much smaller debt surely wouldn’t have entered his mind. Was that the torture? Not being able to accept – and then extend – forgiveness? Just some thoughts. Thoughts that I couldn’t quite fit into my reflection this evening.

Anyway, that’s not really why I wrote this blog. It was really just to share the “poetic response” which I offered in the service. The nice, tidy reflection which didn’t mention torture! Here it is:

How many times?

Where is the catch?

Seven chances before your luck runs out.

Seven times and then you’re on your own.

After all, isn’t this is how forgiveness works – there are no free rides. Well. Maybe there are. Seven.

Go one more, he said. And then multiply a few times. Seventy-Seven.

Or, if you rather, Seventy. Times Seven. Times Seventy. Times Seven. Times…

In the second of two podcasts Nadia Bolz Weber, author, Lutheran Pastor and international speaker explores in conversation with the Moot Community, the place of being traditonal but not conventional. This is one of two podast recordings of the evening at the home of the Community at the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary August 2014.

]]> In the second of two podcasts Nadia Bolz Weber, author, Lutheran Pastor and international speaker explores in conversation with the Moot Community, the place of being traditonal but not conventional. This is one of two podast recordings of the eveni... In the second of two podcasts Nadia Bolz Weber, author, Lutheran Pastor and international speaker explores in conversation with the Moot Community, the place of being traditonal but not conventional. This is one of two podast recordings of the evening at the home of the Community at the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary […]MootcleanInterested in becoming a Spiritual Director? Check out the courses at the London Centre for Spiritualityhttp://www.moot.uk.net/2014/09/11/interested-in-becoming-a-spiritual-director-check-out-the-courses-at-the-london-centre-for-spirituality/
Thu, 11 Sep 2014 10:56:22 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=12856

Are you interested in and suitable for the ministry of spiritual direction. If so, you may be interested in this link to Encounter – on The London Spirituality Centre’s website. It includes all information and an application form. Alternatively, find The London Spirituality Centre and look for ‘Developing’ and then ‘Encounter’.

This training is open to anyone who senses a calling to spiritually supporting people, including those who are ordained or not ordained. Check this out.

]]>Living the Moot Rhythm of Lifehttp://www.moot.uk.net/2014/09/08/living-the-moot-rhythm-of-life/
Mon, 08 Sep 2014 10:28:05 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=12850So we begin a new season with the Moot Community. A big welcome to those who have found us at Greenbelt, and those who have visited us seeking a new spiritual home either because you have moved to London, or because you are seeking a new spiritual community.

I have been struck by a key paragraph in Moot’s ROL that for me expresses the essence of what we hope we as a New Monastic Community espouse.

This experience – of love that we never thought possible, love that compels us to lavish Jesus with worship in response – is available to us all. Indeed, Jesus seems to have considered it a signature of the gospel he was parching, saying that wherever it was preached her act of generous love should be remembered. Such transformative love enables us to find inner freedom from the thoughts that distort us. We become caught up in a love bigger than anything we could muster in our own strength, and consequently we find we can loves God, others and ourselves more and more…. (Aaron Kennedy, 2009, unpublished).

If you are interested in Moot and how we understand who we are as a New Monastic Community, please see the document at the bottom of this post which can be downloaded.

To open up the ROL for new people we hold occasional ‘afternoon teas’ before a Sunday Evening Service to discuss this document and more widely what Moot hopes to be as a New Monastic Community in the centre of the City of London. If you are interested in this then please email to register an interest in attending.

If you are new to Moot, then a big welcome, and let us know if we can assist you….

For the first of two podcasts,Nadia Bolz Weber, author, Lutheran Pastor and international speaker explores in conversation with the Moot Community, the place of being traditonal but not conventional. This is one of two podast recordings of the evening at the home of the Community at the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary August 2014.

]]>For the first of two podcasts,Nadia Bolz Weber, author, Lutheran Pastor and international speaker explores in conversation with the Moot Community, the place of being traditonal but not conventional. This is one of two podast recordings of the evening...For the first of two podcasts,Nadia Bolz Weber, author, Lutheran Pastor and international speaker explores in conversation with the Moot Community, the place of being traditonal but not conventional. This is one of two podast recordings of the evening at the home of the Community at the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary August 2014.MootcleanA Moot Point: Thank Youhttp://www.moot.uk.net/2014/09/02/a-moot-point-thank-you/
Tue, 02 Sep 2014 14:57:55 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=12822Last Tuesday, Team GreenMoot returned home after a bank holiday weekend at Greenbelt Festival, on the palace greens of Boughton House, Kettering. We arrived excited, we left muddy; We arrived ready for anything, we left soaked. We arrived some as volunteers, some as contributors, some as attendees of the festival. We left in need of warm showers and the spinal support only our mattress promised. Yet, when we left, we left bonded together by a warmth and affection found in participation and belonging.

Moot worked together, even before we left London, to make sure its contribution was honest to God and honest to Moot. Care put into drafting texts, practicing the readings, and learning the Taizé songs. As things developed, people asked good questions and sought to check that we were all on the same page. In the final week prior, there was a frenzy of inquiry to make sure everyone going had a means of transport, or needed help in any way. Arriving on site, people helped set up each others tents, and shared food.

Everyone played a part, and each person came forth to contribute as some point in the weekend. After a night of record cold and lots of shivering, 8am felt like such an ungodly hour. But, Carey gracefully sorted us out for morning prayer and Chris lead with such gentle courage, whilst Iain’s re-purposed candle flickered with our prayers. Laura brought a printout of the meditation with her and Ciara sussed out copies. Katherine, Matthew, Ciara and Carey led the mediation, gently holding open a moment of pause and imagination. Later that evening, The “Taiz-e-brae”, Moots mixture of Tenebrae and Taizé chants, proved a well attended expression of what Moot is all about: working together. Emily, Vanessa, Marc, Lou, Ciara and Matthew helped to suggest that darkness can also speak to God’s intimacy. With a quick moment to set up, people worked together and snapped into action, making for an event whose sum was greater than its parts. We even got a nice write-up in the Church Times.

This gathering of small moments is what makes Moot a moot. Even if we marginalise them within and to ourselves –perhaps, even to the degree of seeming a moot point, these small details show forth the wondrous heart of this community. In so many ways, Mooters demonstrated this weekend their responsibility to Moot, and so contributed to the spiritual vitality and encouragement that Greenbelt provides, even if it rained a little on Monday. Okay, a lot…

So, we managed a fairly high quality offering to Greenbelt. To everyone on Team GreenMoot, to Lou, Emily, Carey, Chris, Steffan, Ciara, Marc, Matthew, Katherine, and Vanessa, as well as Paul, Laura, Michaela, James, Rosie and all those who didn’t go to greenbelt, but helped us prepare, to this group of collaborators and co-creators, Moot sounds its warmest and proudest thanks!

Oh, and Sinéad was a-MAZE-ing.

]]>Interested in getting involved in Moothttp://www.moot.uk.net/2014/08/28/interested-in-getting-involved-in-moot/
Wed, 27 Aug 2014 23:44:55 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=12817It was very good to meet so many people at the Moot facilitated events at the Greenbelt Festival 2014 and at the recent Afternoon teas and workshop events.

Just to check you have noticed, that Moot will be taking a break, so there will be no Host Cafe, no events or services until we start up again on Monday 1st September.

Why not join us at 6pm before our next Sunday Evening Service on 7th September. Meditation groups all recommence, Monday 1st at 12 midday and Weds 3rd at 6.30pm.

If you live near or work in the City of London, come and check us out, Host Cafe open Mon to Fri in office hours.

The Moot Community are doing a number of different things at this years Greenbelt Festival. This includes a ‘Death Cafe’ for dialogue on exploring our finality and fragility, contemplative prayers that include a morning prayer on Sunday, a Trinitarian Contemplative Service on Sunday lunchtime, and an adapted Tenebrae Service also on the Sunday. Monday kicks off with a dialogue group exploring how monastic spirituality is useful today, a meet the Mooters in Jesus Arms Pub late morning, and a book launch at G Store in the afternoon. See below for more details:

Event: Moot Tenebrae
Venue: The Mount
Timing: 7-7.30pm
Description: Modern take on an ancient liturgy to explore the via negativa or what some call the ‘dark night of the soul’.

MonEvent: Living Well in the Modern World: What can Monasticism teach us? Facilitated by Ian Mobsby and Vanessa Elston
Timing: 10-11am
Venue: The Table
Description: Ian and Vanessa will share their thoughts followed by group discussions and questions.

Event: Book launch and signings
Venue: G Book Stall
Timing: 2.30 to 3
Description: Promotion of New Monastic Book and Promo Moot.

Event: Meet the Mooters informal Gathering
Venue: Jesus Arms
Timing: 3 to 4pm
Description: For those interested in getting involved in Moot or becoming a friend of the Moot Community, come and join us for an informal chat.

On 25th July Jules Evans interviewed the Bishop of London addressing the basis and history of the Contemplative tradition within Christianity. Bp Richard speaks with eloquence and insight into the strengths and weaknesses concerning the authentic spiritual journey into prayer. Rightly he talks of this being a dangerous journey if not joined up to the Christian community, and the danger of a more secular individualist consumptive approach which can be a journey into the shadow and false self. To read the full article click here.

The Christianity I was originally formed in was not very ritual-minded: it was both intellectually alert and emotionally intense – the best of a style of Welsh Nonconformity now almost extinct – but tended to look down on physical expression of belief (other than singing, which I suspect was regarded as not really physical). Only when the family joined the Anglican Church when I was in my early teens, after we’d moved to another town, did I discover a sense of worship as a physical art, involving gesture, movement and colour. I still have a vivid memory of my first experience of a solemn Mass with procession at Easter, when I was, I suppose, about 12 – the awareness of a deliberate strategy of involving the senses at many levels.

The mild High Church atmosphere of those years was, for me, an environment that made strong imaginative and emotional sense, and indeed is still the kind of setting where I feel most instinctively at home, rather than in more simply word-oriented styles, or in the heated atmosphere of “charismatic” worship, repetitive song and unstructured prayer – although I’ve learned to be nourished by that, too, in many circumstances. But the ritual that is most significant for me apart from the routines of public worship and the daily recitation of the fixed words of morning and evening prayer owes more to non-Anglican sources.

Readers of Salinger’s Franny and Zooey will recall the somewhat unexpected appearance there of an account of the traditional Greek and Russian discipline of meditative repetition of the “Jesus Prayer” (“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy upon me, a sinner”). Practically every Eastern Orthodox writer on prayer will describe this, and many in the tradition also describe some of the physical disciplines that may be used to support it – being aware of your breathing, sitting in a certain way, focusing attention on your chest: “bringing the mind into the heart”, as the books characterise it.

The interest in uniting words with posture and breath is, of course, typical of non-Christian practices also; and over the years increasing exposure to and engagement with the Buddhist world in particular has made me aware of practices not unlike the “Jesus Prayer” and introduced me to disciplines that further enforce the stillness and physical focus that the prayer entails. Walking meditation, pacing very slowly and co-ordinating each step with an out-breath, is something I have found increasingly important as a preparation for a longer time of silence.

So: the regular ritual to begin the day when I’m in the house is a matter of an early rise and a brief walking meditation or sometimes a few slow prostrations, before squatting for 30 or 40 minutes (a low stool to support the thighs and reduce the weight on the lower legs) with the “Jesus Prayer”: repeating (usually silently) the words as I breathe out, leaving a moment between repetitions to notice the beating of the heart, which will slow down steadily over the period.

The prayer isn’t any kind of magical invo­cation or auto-suggestion – simply a vehicle to detach you slowly from distracted, wandering images and thoughts. These will happen, but you simply go on repeating the words and gently bringing attention back to them. If it is proceeding as it should, there is something like an indistinct picture or sensation of the inside of the body as a sort of hollow, a cave, in which breath comes and goes, with an underlying pulse. If you want to speak theologically about it, it’s a time when you are aware of your body as simply a place where life happens and where, therefore, God “happens”: a life lived in you.

So the day begins with a physically concrete and specific reminder that your own individual existence is breathed through by a life that isn’t your possession; and at moments of tension or anxiety during the day, deliberately breathing in and out a few times with the words of the prayer in mind connects you with this life that isn’t yours, immersing the anxiety and dispersing the tension – even if it doesn’t simply take away pain or doubt, solve problems or create some kind of spiritual bliss. The point is just to be connected again.

The mature practitioner (not me) will discover a steady clarity in the vision of self and world, and, in “advanced” states, an awareness of unbroken inner light, with the strong sense of an action going on within that is quite independent of your individual will – the prayer “praying itself”, not just human words but a connection between God transcendent and God present and within. Ritual anchors, ritual aligns, harmonises, relates. And what happens in the “Jesus Prayer” is just the way an individual can make real what is constantly going on in the larger-scale worship of the sacraments. The pity is that a lot of western Christianity these days finds all this increasingly alien. But I don’t think any one of us can begin to discover again what religion might mean unless we are prepared to expose ourselves to new ways of being in our bodies. But that’s a long story.

]]>Diocese of London most tweeted and accessed article for the last 2 weeks: is the article on Moot, check this out if you have not seen ithttp://www.moot.uk.net/2014/07/10/diocese-of-london-most-tweeted-and-accessed-article-for-the-last-2-weeks-is-the-article-on-moot-check-this-out-if-you-have-not-seen-it/
Wed, 09 Jul 2014 23:11:37 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=12752

It was really encouraging to hear today, that the most accessed article on the Diocese of London website, was the article on the Host Cafe and the Moot Community as a New Monastic Community. It was the most tweeted and accessed article by a factor of thousands. So thanks to all you are interested and support the work of Moot and our particular way of seeking to draw on monastic spirituality to inform a contemporary way of being Christian…. If you have not read the article, check it out here.

]]>The challenge of Ecological Justice and the story of Monsantohttp://www.moot.uk.net/2014/06/30/the-challenge-of-ecological-justice-and-the-story-of-monsanto/
Mon, 30 Jun 2014 12:29:29 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=12714One of the recent developments in the world of farming, are the new multi-national agricultural/chemical companies. Monsanto in particular has received world-wide criticism for the way it has tried to control farmers with patents defining what farmers can and cannot do with their genetically modified crops.

In the USA, this multinational company even has its own legal Act of Congress called the Monsanto bill, which maintains in law a strict interpretation protecting Monsanto’s ownership and patents.

Greenpeace and many of the ecologically focused justice and non-governmental organisations have raised their concerns about what looks like a corporate campaign to take over the world’s staple food crops. Vanity Fair magazine highlighted an article telling the story of aggressive and litigious practices of Monsanto, particularly towards smaller farming organisations across the world.

One good piece of news, is that that the European Commission has been very careful in what it has approved influenced by the hard realities that farmers have experienced in the USA. However, Monsanto is now throwing its political weight in Europe, and many are concerned that it will soon give way and patent many key staple foods. For more details on the criticisms of Monsanto check out this site. and here.

On the 29th June 2014, Ian Mobsby explores the theological implications of money as expressed by Jesus in the Gospels. Drawing on an American theologian called Stringfellow, Ian explores the power relations of money as a form of language, and the possibility of approaching money as a potential form of sacrament.

]]> On the 29th June 2014, Ian Mobsby explores the theological implications of money as expressed by Jesus in the Gospels. Drawing on an American theologian called Stringfellow, Ian explores the power relations of money as a form of language, On the 29th June 2014, Ian Mobsby explores the theological implications of money as expressed by Jesus in the Gospels. Drawing on an American theologian called Stringfellow, Ian explores the power relations of money as a form of language, and the possibility of approaching money as a potential form of sacrament.MootcleanHow then shall we live with insecure work and the power of money? A theological responsehttp://www.moot.uk.net/2014/06/24/how-then-shall-we-live-with-insecure-work-and-the-power-of-money-a-theological-response/
Tue, 24 Jun 2014 12:45:40 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=12693

This Sunday at the Moot Eucharist Service we will explore the subject of money, fear and work, and reflect on this theologically. In a time when there is much fear and a difficult relationship with fear, this Sundays service and homily will explore what is a healthy and sacramental view of money, and how we can live more justly. We hope that people will leave inspired and encouraged…. See you Sunday at 6pm

This is an opportunity for those who have recently come across Moot or attended or got involved in the Moot Community now at St Mary Aldermary to meet with Ian the Priest Missioner and a member of the Moot Community to explore what Moot is about and what it is seeking to build at its new home.

As a New Monastic Community focused on developing an Arts, our Host Cafe, contemplative and artistic events, Moot has big dreams. So this is an opportunity to hear what we are about, what we seek to be, and answer any questions you may have.

Tea, Coffee and a selection of pastries will be available. Do let us know if you have any specific dietary needs.

We would welcome donations towards the costs of refreshments and materials. Please book places here.

On the 4th Sunday of Easter 2014, Ian Mobsby explores the challenge of the cosmic vision of salvation in the Gospel of John, and why it has provoked resistance and violence in response from the time of the early church until now.

The Church when it is at its worst, makes the Gospel of John tiny. John is not a small story, for a small group of people in a small place in a small point in time. The Gospel of John is a Cosmic vision of who Jesus is and who we are. Revd Winnie Varghese

]]> On the 4th Sunday of Easter 2014, Ian Mobsby explores the challenge of the cosmic vision of salvation in the Gospel of John, and why it has provoked resistance and violence in response from the time of the early church until now. On the 4th Sunday of Easter 2014, Ian Mobsby explores the challenge of the cosmic vision of salvation in the Gospel of John, and why it has provoked resistance and violence in response from the time of the early church until now. The Church when it is at its worst, makes the Gospel of […]MootcleanThe thoughts that distort us, an understanding of what sin is about and our need for wellbeinghttp://www.moot.uk.net/2014/05/15/the-thoughts-that-distort-us-an-understanding-of-what-sin-is-about-and-our-need-for-wellbeing/
Thu, 15 May 2014 15:57:39 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=12657

The Church is often accused of using shaming language as a way of controlling people. This may contribute to the reason behind a troubling statistic that the vast majority of people who call themselves Christian basically do not like themselves. It was one of the early Christian heresies that, in trying to make sense to the world, described the concept of ‘Sin’. Abbot Jameson, the Benedictine involved in the recent Monastery and the Great Silence programmes, described Sins as the thought that take your life away from you, and the virtues as the things that give you life and wellbeing.

So when we think of Christianity’s call to face who we really are, we meet the concepts of Shadow and False Self. Some have accused the Church of being obsessed with the shadow and the neglect of the case self, where the false self, (as the Desert Mothers and Fathers have told us sense the beginning of monasticism) is often neglected, and that true freedom and transformation and ultimately our integrated wellbeing, can only come with facing both our shadow and false self.

Our teacher in Moot on this area, is Fr Richard Rohr. He has a lot to say about how we encounter the shadow self when we try to face our inner growth needs. Read the link for more info on this here. We will be addressing what the false self is in later postings.

]]>I am the Gate to the Sheepfold, Jesus’ challenge to follow him from places of comfort into the worldhttp://www.moot.uk.net/2014/05/12/i-am-the-gate-to-the-sheepfold-jesus-challenge-to-follow-him-from-places-of-comfort-into-the-world/
Mon, 12 May 2014 19:16:16 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=12652

On Sunday 11th May 2014, Ian Mobsby spoke at the River Service of the Jeremiah Community, a New Monastic Community based in the Parkdale neighbourhood of Toronto. In this text Ian explores the metaphor of Jesus being the Gate to the Sheepfold, and its implications for us as contemporary Christians. In it he explores how we called out of our sheepfolds of comfort and safety into the world listening for and to his voice. This metaphor has a great deal to challenge us about Church not being a place of comfort but actually a call to mission and living in the real world seeking the voice of Jesus in the context of the relationships and people we encounter….

]]>A Retreat 6th-8th June 2014 with Pádraig Ó Tuama on the theme of ‘Human Encounters in the Gospels’http://www.moot.uk.net/2014/05/06/a-retreat-6th-8th-june-2014-with-padraig-o-tuama-on-the-theme-of-human-encounters-in-the-gospels/
Tue, 06 May 2014 18:52:55 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=12632

It is with great pleasure that we invite Pádraig Ó Tuama to lead an other (in) retreat which will begin with a social on the Friday evening (7.30-10pm) in the Host Cafe area, and then begin on the Saturday (10.30am – 4pm) and end in the afternoon of the Sunday (3-5pm) and then contribute to the Moot Sunday Evening Service.

The gospels are replete with argument, misunderstanding, surprise, encounter, prejudice, categorisation, politics, aggression and generosity. This retreat will delve into many of the narratives from across the four gospel texts with the purpose of creating lines of connection between our own everyday experiences and the experiences detailed by the evangelists. We will join together in a warm atmosphere of reading, talking, storytelling, silence and reflection.

Pádraig Ó Tuama is from Ireland and works as a poet, theologian and conflict mediator, based in Belfast. He has a love of storytelling, both in terms of the written word and the spoken word. His books of poetry are published by Canterbury Press, and Hodder Faith are soon to publish a reflection on living life with the gospels. The retreat is free for participants of the Moot Community, and discounted for Companions and Friends of Moot, and on sale places for anyone else.

Refreshments will be available at suggested donation level, and please bring your own lunches. Any income raised from this event will go into the fund raising effort to fund the Moot Community projects.

In this podcast recorded on Easter Sunday 2014 at a Moot Community Eucharist at St Mary Aldermary Church in the City of London, Ian Mobsby explores the implications of the Resurrected Jesus and the Emmaus Road metaphor for the Church.

]]> In this podcast recorded on Easter Sunday 2014 at a Moot Community Eucharist at St Mary Aldermary Church in the City of London, Ian Mobsby explores the implications of the Resurrected Jesus and the Emmaus Road metaphor for the Church. In this podcast recorded on Easter Sunday 2014 at a Moot Community Eucharist at St Mary Aldermary Church in the City of London, Ian Mobsby explores the implications of the Resurrected Jesus and the Emmaus Road metaphor for the Church.MootcleanResurrection and the Church as a movement of people following Jesushttp://www.moot.uk.net/2014/04/20/resurrection-and-the-church-as-a-movement-of-people-following-jesus/
http://www.moot.uk.net/2014/04/20/resurrection-and-the-church-as-a-movement-of-people-following-jesus/#commentsSun, 20 Apr 2014 22:48:19 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=12580

On this day participants of Moot join in with the wider Church to celebrate the shock of the resurrection. The two readings of the Woman discovering the Empty Tomb in the Gospel of John and the disciples walking the Road to Emmaus in the Gospel of Luke are extremely powerful. It is the resurrected Jesus that inspired the early Church Mothers and Fathers to keep going even under great persecution, and it is this same presence of the resurrected person of Jesus who seeks to transform the world that is the hope and focus of what it means to be a Christian disciple.

Today (Sunday 13th April) we enter Holy Week that begins with Palm Sunday. On this day we remember the story of Jesus entering into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey with a crowd about him waving palms shouting the words “Hosanna’ or more literally ‘save me’. This is the point when there is enormous expectation of Jesus to demonstrate he is the Messiah. The Jewish Messiah was expected to enter into Jerusalem and bring in a new kingdom of God. This kingdom of God was to be political and visible, where many looked forward to the Romans being thrown out of Judea. Instead Jesus comes into Jerusalem in meekness and powerlessness. This is a new kind of Kingdom, not of power and might, but the crowds, the pharisees, the saducees, the scribes and the priests are perplexed by this Jesus who seems to have the power of God but not conform to expectations of the Jewish Messiah.

This week is Passion Week which is the last week of Lent where we prepare to enter the drama, liturgy and emotion of Holy Week (Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday). In this week Christian pilgrims are encouraged to remember the story of Christ’spassion as the story from the joy of Palm Sunday through to the desolation of Good Friday and then the shock and joy of Easter Sunday. So if you get anytime to yourself this week, try to reflect on preparation for the next Sunday to Sunday.

]]>Address from Justin Welby and voices from the recent day on the religious life at Lambeth Palacehttp://www.moot.uk.net/2014/04/03/address-from-justin-welby-and-voices-from-the-recent-day-on-the-religious-life-at-lambeth-palace/
Thu, 03 Apr 2014 11:09:14 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=12510 The Archbishop of Canterbury’s Day with representation from most if not all of communities of the religious life that included new communities like Moot was a great day of discernment and dreaming. The day began with morning prayer and then an address from Archbishop Justin. After group work the afternoon started with an Address from Etienne leader of the European ecumenical community called Chemin Neuf (new way) which was really encouraging. Please find below the addresses from Justin Welby and then interviews with attenders of the day including mooters. Also the Word version of the addresses.

From 3.4.14 – 3.5.14 we have a new art installation in St Mary Aldermary’s. At 5pm Mon to Fri there is an accompanying sound scape piece. Information from the artist will be put up here soon.

]]>Archbishop’s Day on the renewal of the Religious Life and Communities, Lambeth Palacehttp://www.moot.uk.net/2014/03/30/archbishops-day-on-the-renewal-of-the-religious-life-and-communities-lambeth-palace/
Sun, 30 Mar 2014 22:44:59 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=12501

Friday the 28th March was one of those moments occasions, the first ever gathering of new and old religious communities with the Archbishop of Canterbury, gathering at Lambeth Palace for a day of prayer, encouragement and dialogue. I had the good fortune of being part of the small planning group. The day began with an address from the Archbishop, an Address from Etienne the leader of the Chemin Neuf Ecumenical Community in the afternoon which was interspersed with dialogues and ending with a Moot Contemplative Eucharist in the ancient Crypt Chapel, where Ian Mobsby Deaconed for the Bp of Manchester who presided.

The day focused on the Archbishops first priority quote:

“If we want to see things changed, it starts with prayer. It starts with a new spirit of prayer, using all the traditions, ancient and modern. When it comes, it will be linked to what has gone before, but it will look different – because it is a new renewal for new times. God’s created community is perfectly designed for its time and place. It almost always comes from below. It comes from Christians seeking Christ.” Archbishop Justin

It was a good day, with leaders from the various communities who are discerning with Moot to become the proposed Acknowledged Religious Community – The Society of the Holy Trinity. On the day many of the new monastic communities were represented, Pete Askew from Northumbria Community, Rob from the Gathering, Emma from Sinai in the City, Simon from B1 and, James from Llan and Gareth from St Margaret the Queen. Old friends were there including Mark Berry and Ian Adams from CMS, Philip Roderick of Contemplative Fire and Johnny Sertin from the Earlsfield Friary.

I will putting up notes from the two talks up here shortly. See below the clip from the BBC Sunday Programme, and a link here for the Archbishops Website. Next week there will be an article in the Church times.

]]> Friday the 28th March was one of those moments occasions, the first ever gathering of new and old religious communities with the Archbishop of Canterbury, gathering at Lambeth Palace for a day of prayer, encouragement and dialogue. Friday the 28th March was one of those moments occasions, the first ever gathering of new and old religious communities with the Archbishop of Canterbury, gathering at Lambeth Palace for a day of prayer, encouragement and dialogue. I had the good fortune of being part of the small planning group. The day began […]MootcleanSweet Meats by Isobel Wohl 29th March 4-9pmhttp://www.moot.uk.net/2014/03/24/sweet-meats-by-isobel-wohl-29th-march-4-9pm/
Mon, 24 Mar 2014 00:20:07 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=12431

I am really looking forward to an important Art installation for Lent by Isobel Wohl in St Mary Aldermary, details below:

Sweetmeats
Isobel Wohl
St Mary Aldermary
Saturday 29 March 4-9 pm

When we slice into an orange we realize something we often forget: that on every Tesco shelf is an object capable of capturing our senses if only we take the time to engage. Through painting and text, Isobel Wohl draws attention to the physicality of overlooked objects of consumption.

Isobel Wohl was born in New York City in 1986. Her work evokes the kinship between the figure and the object and questions dynamics of sex and power. For more details on Isobel’s work click here.

In the last two weeks some of us have begun to explore the ‘Pilgrim Course’ of the Church of England looking to support people to explore the Christian Journey. In Moot and also in Bank City Churches we are using the element exploring The Lord’s Prayer over the 6 weeks of Lent and its material in the first two weeks has been good.

In the last session we explored the theme of ‘Your Kingdom Come, Your Will be Done, on Earth as in Heaven.’

The content again has been good, but I have again been struck by the difference between vision and practice. This section focuses on Justice and I quote:

The Christian life is lived in a rhythm of worship and service. That service includes a love of justice and equity, and a commitment to work for these to be manifest throughout life globally. We cannot divorce faith from politics, or the local from the international. Justice must be applied universally, to everyone and by everyone. (p.25)

When we pray for God’s kingdom to come, we are asking for our world, our communities and our loves to be marked by the justice that God loves so much. As Christians we long for God’s kingdom to come but also do everything that we can to ensure that we live justly now. (p.27)

As an Anglican Christian, I am struggling a little with this vision and actual practice. Does the Church of England really live this way of being Christian? We have an appalling legacy of colluding with slavery, misogyny and homophobia to name but a few. We have dressed up this injustice as theology and tradition, and I am really slightly shocked that the Pilgrim Course has been so focused on Justice. Of course I totally agree with this, but is it really at the heart of being an Anglican Christian?

I still hear terrible things being said about Women and the Episcopate (and I can’t wait for their to be Women Bishops to redress the Old Boys Network) let alone the 26 years the Church has been listening to LGBT people and still is deeply divided on this issue with mild to extreme forms of homophobia. We in Moot have been accused by more fundamentalist Anglican Churches as being ‘unsound’ or heterodox or even of not being a ‘gospel believing church’ precisely because we affirm this vision of universal justice at the heart of God’s nature and God’s Kingdom.

So I suppose the challenge is ours, to hold onto the vision of God’s justice and God’s Kingdom when some of the Church really does not live this way and actively resists and represses people. So I applaud the Pilgrim Course and I long for the day when we don’t exclude various social groupings in the name of biblical truth and Church tradition…

This is an opportunity for those who are interested, recently attended or got involved in the Moot Community now at St Mary Aldermary to meet with Ian the Priest Missioner and a member of the Moot Community to explore what Moot is about and what it is seeking to build at its new home.

As a New Monastic Community focused on developing a cafe ecouraging hospitality, contemplative and artistic events, Moot has big dreams. So this is an opportunity to hear what we are about, what we seek to be, and answer any questions you may have.

Tea, Coffee and a selection of pastries will be available. Do let us know if you have any specific dietary needs. Please click here to register attendance to help us with catering.

We would welcome donations towards the costs of refreshments and materials.

On the Second Sunday of Lent in the Moot Evening Eucharist at the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary Ian Mobsby reflects on the application of John Chapter 3. In this service the community explored a Lectio Divina approach to the text ending with Ian’s reflection. Ths text is a key vision of the Christian life and vision.

For more information on the Moot Community, see www.moot.uk.net Moot depends on financial giving to support all its activities and resources including this podcast. If you would like to make a financial donation to the work of Moot, please see the giving section of the website.

This podcast was recording on Sunday 16th March 2014.

]]>On the Second Sunday of Lent in the Moot Evening Eucharist at the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary Ian Mobsby reflects on the application of John Chapter 3. In this service the community explored a Lectio Divina approach to the text ending with Ian’s ...On the Second Sunday of Lent in the Moot Evening Eucharist at the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary Ian Mobsby reflects on the application of John Chapter 3. In this service the community explored a Lectio Divina approach to the text ending with Ian’s reflection. Ths text is a key vision of the Christian […]MootcleanWant to get married in a beautiful Church in the City of London?http://www.moot.uk.net/2014/03/09/12311/
Sun, 09 Mar 2014 23:14:19 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=12311

Over the last couple of years we have seen the number of weddings at the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary grow. As a Church of England Guild Church we are able to support those wanting a Church Wedding by what is called a Common License. For those who have been married formally in a Registry Office and are looking to hold a service of blessing of a marriage in a Church, then this is also possible.

If you are looking for a Church to get married in or to hold a service of blessing for a marriage, then please do get in touch as we would love to discuss your needs and see if we can help. Click here for email

We are particularly able to support those who are:

A regular worshipper at the church.

Who live or work in the Cordwainers Ward and beyond in the City of London.

Members of Supportive Livery Companies including the Cordwainers,

A member of one of the two tank regiments connected with the church

Employed in one of the office buildings in the vicinity of the church.

Are a participant or companion to the Moot Community based at St Mary Aldermary.

The main church seating capacity is around 250, but extra seating can be accommodated up to 300. We also have facilities for the production of tea and coffee and snacks, which can be opened for sales if desired.

Note: at least one party to the marriage must be baptised (christened) for the wedding to take place here (please ask for more details if you wish).

So do get in touch if you would like to explore getting married or holding a service of blessing for a marriage Click here for email

For more information and for pictures of the Church with weddings in the last 2 years scan or click on the Link.

So we begin Lent with the ancient Ashing Service, which marks the first day of Lent, 46 days before Easter. As a season for reflection and for fasting of some description inspired by the life of Jesus who went into the desert to mediate and prayer away from the distractions of life.

The Ashing Service derives its name from the practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of adherents as a celebration and reminder of our human fragility and mortality. The ashes used are typically gathered from the burning of the palms from the previous year’s Palm Sunday. So if you have this come earlier (5.20pm) to burn these crosses to be used for the ashing. Ashes were used in ancient times to express mourning. Dusting oneself with ashes was the penitent’s way of expressing sorrow for sins and faults. An ancient example of one expressing one’s penitence is found in the Book of Job. Job says to God: “I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. The other eye wandereth of its own accord. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. The prophet Jeremiah, for example, calls for repentance this way: “O daughter of my people, gird on sackcloth, roll in the ashes. The prophet Daniel recounted pleading to God this way: “I turned to the Lord God, pleading in earnest prayer, with fasting, sackcloth and ashes.

We proudly present the new addition to the Moot website – the bookstall. With 10 categories of carefully selected publications and a list of what you can buy in the Host Cafe, it’s definitely worth a look.

Each book has a link to somewhere you can buy, with retailers that give us a percentage of the purchase price. More retailer options to be added soon.

And once you have had a browse, why not share it with friends with our all new social media icons now throughout the site…?!

]]>Events with Moot for Lent 2014 A season for exploring our humanity and spiritualityhttp://www.moot.uk.net/2014/02/25/events-with-moot-for-lent-2014-a-season-for-exploring-our-humanity-and-spirituality/
Tue, 25 Feb 2014 22:20:02 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=12244

What is the season of Lent?

Lent is a six-week period beginning on Ash Wednesday (this year falls on the 5th March until 12th April) before Holy Week and Easter for people to reflect on their lives, spirituality and beliefs.

What is being offering to assist this season of reflection?

– The Church will be open from 9am to 5.30pm Mon to Friday for private prayer and meditation.
– Engage with installation art to be in St Mary Aldermary throughout the season of Lent.
– Why not try out one of our meditation groups Monday Midday and Wednesday at 6.30pm
– Or try out our early morning Taize Chant and meditation time Weds at 8.15am before work
– Contemplative Morning Prayer Monday to Friday 9.30am to 9.55am.
– Contemplative Evening Prayer Mon – Weds 5.30pm.
– Try our two weekly ‘Serum’ spirituality dialogue group that meets upstairs in ‘Ye Olde Watling Pub’ Wednesdays at 7.30pm
– Try our weekly Lent Course Weds 1pm or Evenings at St Mary Le Bow at 6.15pm reflecting on the wording of the ‘Lords Prayer’.

DO SMALL THINGS IN BIG SPACESExhibition by Isobel Wohl March 5th – April 11th

In DO SMALL THINGS IN BIG SPACES, Isobel Wohl will use drawing and text to explore the function of the fragmentary and transient in a space dedicated to contemplation of the whole and eternal.

Isobel Wohl lives and works in London and will receive an MA in Painting from the Royal College of Art in 2014.

Bishop Graham Cray, the Archbishops Missioner and lead for Fresh Expressions joined Moot for the Sunday Evening Eucharist service on 16th Feb 2014. Bp Graham has been a long time friend to the Moot Community, and in the homily explored the texts of Mark 1.40-45 and Ephesians 5.1-17 to explore the theme of ‘Costly mercy and transforming grace’. In the Service we prayed for Bp Graham’s continued ministry as he approaches retirement and the continuance of Fresh Expressions of Church.

Finally a reminder that we soon will be switching our podcast feed, you may need to resubscribe to the new feed found on the main page of the Moot Website, www.moot.uk.net. Please subcribe to the podcast – itunes | RSS

]]>Bishop Graham Cray, the Archbishops Missioner and lead for Fresh Expressions joined Moot for the Sunday Evening Eucharist service on 16th Feb 2014. Bp Graham has been a long time friend to the Moot Community,Bishop Graham Cray, the Archbishops Missioner and lead for Fresh Expressions joined Moot for the Sunday Evening Eucharist service on 16th Feb 2014. Bp Graham has been a long time friend to the Moot Community, and in the homily explored the texts of Mark 1.40-45 and Ephesians 5.1-17 to explore the theme of ‘Costly mercy […]MootcleanBp Graham Cray, Archbishop’s Missioner comes to address Moot after the community’s 10th Birthdayhttp://www.moot.uk.net/2014/02/16/bp-graham-cray-archbishops-missioner-comes-to-address-moot-after-the-communitys-10th-birthday/
Sun, 16 Feb 2014 15:19:15 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=12167

Well its 2013 and Moot began as a missional community at the Parish Church of St Matthews Westminster 10 years ago as a collective of those who felt called to form a new form of missional community. In time this grew into the New Monastic Community that Moot now is at its home at the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary in the City of London. This is no small achievement which was and is a challenge to sustain, but is a sign of what is possible through God’s love, vision, hard work and participation in a real community.

This evening we are really pleased that Bp Graham Cray is joining us to speak at our evening Eucharist service, so come mooted or not!

]]>The end of the day Wellbeing Prayer and changes to our Moot Community podcasthttp://www.moot.uk.net/2014/02/11/the-end-of-the-day-wellbeing-prayer-and-changes-to-our-moot-community-podcast/
Tue, 11 Feb 2014 13:06:12 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=12154For this Moot podcast we again want to share some of our online prayer resources. Last year we shared the Morning Wellbeing Prayer for use at the beginning of the day, this time it is the wellbeing prayer at the end of the day. This way of praying is particularly good if you have problems with stress, anxiety or depression. Also to give you the heads up, we will be shortly moving the feed for these podcasts from our podbean site, to the moot.uk.net site. If you have any problems you may need to resubscribe to the mootuk podcast through itunes or another podcast index. We hope to continue to offer this podcast for free for the years to come. If you experience any form of technical difficulty, or would like to support moot with a financial donation, please email info@moot.uk.net. Thanks for subscribing to the Moot Community Podcasts.
]]>For this Moot podcast we again want to share some of our online prayer resources. Last year we shared the Morning Wellbeing Prayer for use at the beginning of the day, this time it is the wellbeing prayer at the end of the day.For this Moot podcast we again want to share some of our online prayer resources. Last year we shared the Morning Wellbeing Prayer for use at the beginning of the day, this time it is the wellbeing prayer at the end of the day. This way of praying is particularly good if you have problems […]MootcleanHi there justice lovers of London…http://www.moot.uk.net/2014/02/04/12102/
Tue, 04 Feb 2014 18:40:20 +0000http://www.moot.uk.net/?p=12102

London is a special place! The political hub of the country, financial capital of the world but also a place which is so thriving with a history of activism and justice…

The first Just Space of the year is happening on the 6th February at the home of the Moot Community. This is a really interesting one as JustSpace is going to be taking on a whole new exciting form this year – which is going to be shaped by you and incorporate more of your passions.

Justspace is a gathering of people who are passionate about doing their bit about making this world a better place and exploring our role as Christians in Gods creation. It is supported by Christian Aid, Moot, SCM and The Speak Network.

Do come along as we gather for some good old fashioned food and fun. If you’d like to meet like minded people in London then we’d love to have you along… Brings along anyone you’d wish – the more the merrier!

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead

I was chatting, recently, with a friend about mindfulness. He told how much he was enjoying being attentive to the present moment. We often pray together and for him present moment awareness is part of his spiritual practice. He reminded me of some insightful words C. S. Lewis had written in the Screwtape Letters. The letters are written as advice from a Senior Devil to his nephew:

‘He[God] therefore wants them to attend chiefly to two things, to eternity itself(which means being concerned with Him), and to that point of time which they call the Present. For the present is the point at which time touches eternity.’

Read Chapter 15 for a full exposition of Lewis’s ideas and insights.

Are we not always in the present moment? We certainly are! But our minds are often somewhere else, perhaps fretting over a past that has gone or anxious about a future that has not happened, and is still an unknown however much we like to predict.

Being with the present moment is a skill worth cultivating. One of the challenges ,though, is being with all that you are experiencing in your mind(more than just your thinking) whether it is pleasent or unpleasent. Mindfulness, Chritian meditation and Centering prayer all address this challenge in their own ways.

If you would like to develop this mindful awareness of the present you might like to attend my next mindfulness course, starting February 25th at St Mary Aldermary. Contact mindfulness@pathwayscourses.com for more information. Concessionary rates available.

Lozza will spend a week as artist in residence at the Church of St Mary Aldermary. She will use the building as a drawing room and thus create the opportunity to open up the intimate act of drawing to the public. She will interweave her practice with the space, rhythms and visitors to the church, exploring the concepts of spiritual transformation and existentialism. Thus she will be creating abstract drawings, but what will be presented is the act of contemplation and perception.

I am. I look up at the sky. Clouds float across. Noise. An aeroplane appears and leaves a thin white line which time skews. Silence. A bird s**** on my retina. Darkness bleeds into light, erasing the bright yellow of the gloaming. Beyond the horizon some thing disappears. Emptiness. Am I? My fingers draw blurred lines between reality and imagination.

“The human being in his mortality in search of his existential purpose engages me and drives me on. I am interested in the relations and correlations of the individual, who orienteers in the worlds collective, and the universal. Where I consider my personal experiences and actions as a hermeneutic research of a single being relative to all entities. My intention is to examine different states of being in order to capture those alchemical processes, which I see analogous to growing up. The ungraspable but nonetheless real prospect of the passage of duration; the notion of time or duration as an essentially fluid entity intrinsically related to human consciousness.

“My practice is grounded on the immediacy and intimacy of drawing. I investigate spaces of presence and absence, avoiding categorization and blurring the boundaries between some thing, dispersion, and no thing. I work with the material in order to address the immaterial, where resonance is equally important as silence. Like a dialogue of two elemental human activities: secrets shut away and vistas opened up. Assuming that marks and traces epitomise elements of marking an occurrence as much as of letting go. Thus, I aim to offer a subtle meditation on the perception of being in this world. Where the self has to learn to find one’s way somewhere between reality and imagination.”